Masking SMS
Masking SMS with your own brand name
YOURBRAND
Text message
Hi Nusrat, your order #1042 has been shipped and will arrive within 2 days. Thank you for shopping with YOURBRAND.
প্রিয় গ্রাহক, আপনার অর্ডার #1042 ডেলিভারি হয়েছে। ধন্যবাদ।
The basics
What is masking SMS?
In a masking SMS, the sender field shows an alphanumeric sender ID — such as ABCSHOP or CITYCLINIC — instead of a phone number. It is sometimes simply called a “mask” or “brand name SMS”.
Because a sender ID represents your organisation, it is reviewed before use. In Bangladesh, sender IDs are also subject to the rules of mobile operators and the telecom regulator, so not every name can be approved, and an approved name can be suspended if it is misused.
Masking SMS is one-way in practice: recipients generally cannot reply to a name. If you want customers to respond, include a phone number or link in the message.
Recognised
Customers see your name before they open the message.Consistent
Every message carries the same sender, so customers learn to expect it.Organised
Your messages appear together in one conversation on the recipient’s phone.Professional
A branded sender looks like the business it comes from.
Compare
Masking vs non-masking SMS
| Masking SMS | Non-masking SMS | |
|---|---|---|
| What the recipient sees as sender | Your brand name, e.g. YOURBRAND | A sender number provided by the platform |
| Approval needed | Yes — the sender ID must be reviewed and approved | No |
| Time to start | After approval | Immediately after you top up |
| Sender format | Alphanumeric, 3–11 characters | Numeric sender |
| Brand recognition | High — customers see who the message is from | Lower — name your business in the message text |
| Recipient replies | Recipients generally cannot reply to a name | Behaviour depends on the number and network |
| Typical uses | Order updates, promotions, notices, reminders | OTPs, alerts, internal notifications, quick starts |
| Price per SMS | Lower with bigger recharges — see pricing | Lower with bigger recharges — see pricing |
| Rules | Subject to operator and regulator requirements for sender IDs | Subject to operator and regulator requirements for content |
Sender ID request
How to get masking SMS enabled
Register & verify
Create your account and verify your email. You can send non-masking SMS while masking is being set up.Verify your identity (KYC)
Upload a profile photo and both sides of your National ID in Dashboard → Verification. Documents are stored privately.Request your Sender ID
In Dashboard → Sender ID, enter the name you want (3–11 letters and numbers), your business details and your trade licence.Approved — start sending
After review, masking is enabled: choose your Sender ID in Send SMS, bulk campaigns or API requests.
Our team reviews your KYC documents and every Sender ID request manually — each request includes what you will send, a sample message and your confirmation that you are authorised to use the name — and names of banks, mobile financial services, government bodies or mobile operators need proof of authorisation, so approval is never instant or guaranteed; see our Sender ID Policy.
Sender ID statuses
- Pending
Your request has been received and is being reviewed. Supporting documents may be requested.
- Approved
The sender ID appears in your sender list and can be used in the dashboard and the API.
- Rejected
The request could not be approved. The reason is shared where possible; you can request a different sender ID.
- Suspended
The sender ID can no longer be used, for example after a policy or operator issue. Messages cannot be sent with it.
Tips
Choosing a sender ID that gets approved
A good sender ID is short, clearly yours and easy to recognise. Before you submit a request, check it against this list:
- Match your business name. Use your trade name or a clear abbreviation of it. Reviewers need to see that the name belongs to you.
- Stay within 3–11 characters. Use letters and numbers. If your name is long, pick the version customers already know, such as the name on your shop sign or website.
- Avoid generic words. Names like OFFER, INFO or ALERT do not identify a business and are unlikely to be approved.
- Never imitate another organisation. Names resembling banks, mobile financial services, government bodies or other brands are refused and may lead to account suspension under our Acceptable Use Policy.
- Have your trade licence ready. It’s required with every masking Sender ID request and shows the name belongs to your business.
Once approved, use your sender ID responsibly: send only to people who have agreed to hear from you, and honour opt-out requests. Our SMS Policy explains the rules every sender follows.
Use cases
Who uses masking SMS
E-commerce stores
Order confirmations, shipping updates and COD verification under your shop’s name.Retail and restaurants
Loyalty offers, new arrivals and reservation confirmations.Schools and colleges
Notices, results and fee reminders that guardians can recognise immediately.Clinics and diagnostics
Appointment reminders and report-ready notices from a name patients trust.Finance and microcredit
Instalment reminders and payment receipts from your registered name.NGOs and associations
Member notices, event reminders and programme updates.
FAQ
Masking SMS questions
What is masking SMS?
Masking SMS is a text message that shows a name — usually your brand — as the sender instead of a phone number. The name is called a sender ID or mask, and it must be approved before you can use it.
How long can a sender ID be?
A masking sender ID is alphanumeric and between 3 and 11 characters long, for example ABCSHOP or CITYCLINIC.
How do I request a masking sender ID on SMSGELY?
Log in, go to Dashboard → Sender IDs and submit the name you want with the requested details. The request shows as Pending while it is reviewed. Once it is Approved, it appears in your sender list.
Can I send masking SMS while my sender ID is pending?
No. Only approved sender IDs can send. While you wait, you can send with a non-masking sender so your messages are not held up.
Why might a sender ID be rejected?
Common reasons are a name that does not match your business, a generic word, a name that could be confused with another organisation such as a bank or government body, or missing supporting documents. Sender IDs are also subject to mobile operator and regulator rules.
Does masking SMS cost more than non-masking?
Prices can differ between masking and non-masking messages, and between GSM-7 and Unicode text. The current rates are on the Pricing page.
Put your brand name on every message
Create an account, request your sender ID in the dashboard and start with non-masking SMS while it is reviewed.